Top Benefits of Installing a Wood Roof: Sustainable, Beautiful, and Timeless
Choosing the right roofing material is both a practical and an aesthetic decision. The roof not only protects the home but also adds to its aesthetic appeal and long-term value.
Asphalt shingles are a common option, but many preservation-minded and eco-conscious homeowners are looking beyond this roofing type for something more natural and with timeless beauty. Wood roofing is attractive and durable, with a unique warmth that makes it an appealing alternative to asphalt. This is especially true for historic and traditional homes, where more modern roofing materials can look out of place.
This article outlines the top advantages of wood roof systems and why wood shakes and shingles remain a popular roofing material.
A Brief Overview of Wood Roofing
Wood roofing comes in two main types: shingles and shakes. Wood shingles are sawn on both sides, creating a smoother, more refined look, so they look just as at home on modern and contemporary buildings as on historic properties.
On the other hand, wood shakes are split and have a rustic, textured appearance.
Historically, shakes were often used on early farmhouses and rustic buildings, while shingles were used on Colonial, Victorian, and later Craftsman homes. Today, cedar shakes are still popular for more rustic buildings, as well as beach homes. Cedar shingles are popular where a more tailored, even appearance is desired.
Benefits of Wood Roofing: Why Choose a Wood Roof?
Wood roofing isn't North America's most commonly used roofing material — that honor belongs to asphalt shingles. However, that doesn't mean that wood roofing isn't a highly valued and desirable option, especially among owners of historic and traditional homes.
Asphalt roofing owes its popularity in large part to its affordability. On average, asphalt shingles cost less than metal or wood roofing systems. Wood roofing, specifically shingles and shakes, costs a bit more upfront than asphalt, but it offers a distinctive look and other benefits that other materials cannot replicate.
Wood Roofing Is a Sustainable Choice
Wood has a long history as one of the earliest roofing materials used in North America. Even after the introduction of modern products like asphalt and metal, wood has remained a preferred option for homeowners who value natural materials and traditional architecture.
A top reason wood continues to be popular despite the availability of synthetic materials is its sustainability. About 11 to 13 million tons of asphalt shingles are removed from roofs each year, and less than 10% are recycled. On the other hand, wood is a natural product that fits the category of sustainable roofing materials.
The benefits of wood roofing in terms of sustainability include:
It’s Renewable: Wood is a renewable resource. It comes from forests that can be replanted and responsibly managed.
It’s Biodegradable and Recyclable: Unlike petroleum-based materials, wood shingles and shakes can decompose naturally or be reclaimed for other uses at the end of their lifespan.
It Has a Lower Environmental Impact: Compared to synthetic roofing, wood requires less processing and has a smaller carbon footprint.
Wood Roofing Offers Natural Beauty
One of the most recognized wood shingles roof benefits is its natural beauty. No two shingles are exactly alike, giving each roof a distinctive character and texture. The rich color of new cedar, the most common type of wood used to make roofing, gradually weathers into a silver-gray patina, a look that adds depth and charm over time.
Wood roofing greatly enhances curb appeal, especially for historic and traditional homes. Its appearance complements styles such as Colonial, Victorian, Craftsman, and Shingle-style architecture, where authenticity and detail are essential.
Historic properties that remain standing today highlight the unique charm of wood roofing. Examples include:
The Fairbanks House, Massachusetts: Built around 1637, it is the oldest surviving timber-frame house in North America and has historically been roofed with wood shingles.
Mount Vernon, Virginia: George Washington's plantation estate originally had wood shingles, which have been carefully maintained and restored over time.
Bryce Canyon Lodge: Originally built in the 1920s, this historic property originally had a Hunter green wood shingle roof with a distinctive wave pattern. It has since been reroofed by Huber & Associates to match the original appearance as closely as possible.
These landmarks show how a wood roof contributes to a building's historic design. Wood roofing conveys a sense of timeliness that, unlike many modern materials, develops character as it ages. This strengthens its curb appeal and reinforces the home's unique identity.
Longevity and Durability
Wood shingles and shakes, especially those made from cedar, can last 30 years or more when properly installed and cared for. Treatments increase their resistance to moisture, insects, and constant exposure to the elements, which helps extend their lifespan even further.
Wood often holds up better over time in terms of performance and appearance than asphalt shingles. Generally, asphalt shingles require more frequent replacement than wood shingles and shakes.
When considering wood roofing cost versus asphalt shingles cost over several decades, the long-term value of wood becomes apparent. Even with a higher initial investment, the reduced need for replacement makes wood roofing a cost-effective option for homeowners, especially those planning to stay in and not sell their homes.
Energy Efficiency and Comfort
Wood has natural insulating properties. A wood roof can help reduce heat loss in the winter and limit heat gain in the summer, which supports more stable indoor temperatures. This can make homes more comfortable year-round and reduce energy use by easing the load on heating and cooling systems.
This is part of the appeal of wood roofing for eco-conscious households. Natural insulation translates into fewer drafts and potential energy savings over the roof's lifetime.
Because of these qualities, wood roofing is often chosen for homes where energy efficiency, along with appearance and longevity, is a priority.
Suitability for Historic Homes
Wood roofing is often the best option for preserving the authenticity of historic and traditional-style homes. Many architectural styles were originally built with roofs made of wood shingles or shakes. Some examples are:
Shingle Style
Craftsman
Arts and Crafts
Colonial
Colonial Revival
Cape Cod
Georgian
Victorian
Choosing wood for a roof replacement helps maintain the home's original character and keeps the design true to its period.
Preservation boards in historic districts typically require homeowners to use materials that match the home's construction era. Using authentic materials like wood for roofing ensures the home remains eligible for preservation status and retains its architectural integrity.
For architects and preservationists, wood is a top choice because it combines performance with historical accuracy. It allows homeowners to protect their property while honoring the style and craftsmanship that define its place in history.
Added Value for Homeowners
A wood roof can raise a home's market appeal. Buyers often view it as a premium, high-end feature because of its distinctive appearance and historical authenticity.
From the perspective of a property owner who plans to sell their home sometime in the future, the wood roofing cost becomes easier to justify because it's an investment in property value. Wood signals quality and permanence, unlike asphalt shingles, which are seen as common and temporary. That perception can influence resale price and attract buyers who appreciate unique features.
However, materials aren't the only factors determining your roof's life value. It's also essential to keep your wood roofing in top condition by following proper maintenance practices and applying treatments according to schedule. By doing so, you help ensure your wood stays attractive and strong for many years to come, delivering a strong return on investment.
Elevate Your Home With Custom Wood Roofing
Wood roofing requires skill, experience, and attention to detail. Choosing the right contractor ensures the roof not only looks beautiful but also performs for decades.
Huber & Associates specializes in wood roof installation and historic restoration. Using our sister company Custom Shingles patented technology allows us to cut or steam-bend any style, providing homeowners with tailored solutions that meet both their design preferences and preservation needs. We are a proud installation member of the Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau, an organization that sets industry standards for quality and craftsmanship.
Our work includes projects such as the stained cedar reroof at the historic Bryce Canyon Lodge and the steam-bent cedar roof at the Chapel of Roses in California. These examples and the rest of our wood portfolio reflect our ability to combine traditional methods with innovative techniques to protect and enhance landmark properties.
Call us at (800) 327-8115 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation. We’d be happy to discuss how a beautiful, custom wood roof can provide sustainable and timeless protection for your property.